Reprieve has come to some People Living With Disability in Adamawa state as the Catholic Bishop of Yola, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza distributed 93 wheelchairs to ease their movement.
The distribution took place at the Catholic Secretariat in Yola on Tuesday and was made possible through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, a U.S.-based Catholic charity organization.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Mamza expressed gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for fulfilling a promise made two years ago to provide mobility aids for those in need.
“What we are doing here today is through the generous support of the members of the Knights of Columbus in the United States. Two years ago, one of their members visited, and I expressed the need for wheelchairs for the physically challenged. They took note of my request and promised to help. By the grace of God, they have now fulfilled their promise by sending 93 wheelchairs to the Catholic Diocese of Yola for distribution,” he said.
The bishop emphasised the urgent need to support persons with disabilities, recalling a particular incident that inspired his advocacy.
“We had a lady at Salama Housing where we build for the Internally Displaced Persons. The lady was being carried around in a wheelbarrow. Seeing her situation moves me, and that is what led to today’s wheelchair distribution. These wheelchairs, shipped from the United States, are of high quality and will significantly improve the lives of the recipients,” he stated.
Bishop Mamza called on the government and individuals to do more to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities
“The physically challenges need more attention from individuals, religious organizations, and the government. Even in infrastructure development, accessibility should be a priority to ease movement,” he said.
“While the government may be making efforts, they are not enough. I urge the government to redouble it’s commitment to supporting them. Those who have the means should also contribute. Many of them are hardworking and should be empowered so they do not have to depend on charity or resort to begging.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, John Anthony, the Assistant Secretary of the People Living with Disability in Adamawa State expressed deep appreciation for the gesture.
READ ALSO:‘Exclusion of women, PWDs fuel security crisis in Northwest’
“I am happy to receive this wheelchair, which will make movement much easier. I sincerely appreciate Bishop Mamza for always standing by the physically challenged people in the state. People need to understand that anyone with a disability who lacks mobility faces double disadvantages.
“But now that we have this, life will be much easier for us. We call on the government to emulate this gesture and support us as well.”
The event was attended by members of the Catholic Diocese of Yola, beneficiaries, and well-wishers, all of whom commended the bishop’s continuous efforts in uplifting the physically challenged.
